golpe de calor
/ˌɡolpe de kaˈloɾ/masculine
The English phrase heat stroke is translated into Spanish as golpe de calor. Wiktionary also lists heliosis and golpe calórico.
Meaning: severe hyperthermia (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| golpe de calor | /ˌɡolpe de kaˈloɾ/ | masculine |
| heliosis | /eljosis/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| golpe calórico | /ɡolpe kaloɾiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| golpe térmico | /ɡolpe teɾmiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term golpe de calor is the standard and most common way to refer to the medical emergency of heat stroke in everyday Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase golpe de calor literally translates to blow of heat.
Which one should you use?
While golpe de calor refers to the medical condition, golpe térmico is more commonly used to describe a thermal shock, such as a sudden change in temperature affecting an object or a person's reaction to temperature change. Also, note the feminine form heliosis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, insolación may be the preferred choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because golpe is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine article un when referring to a single instance of heat stroke, as in un golpe de calor.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɡolpe de kaˈloɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the same word golpe used in golpe de calor is used to describe a political 'coup d'état' as a golpe de estado.
- The word golpe was once linked to a specific type of gladiator called culpatores, derived from a Latin term for someone who delivers blows.
- The word golpe is used in Spanish to describe a variety of sudden events, such as golpe de suerte for a 'stroke of luck'.
Examples in context
- Tom tuvo un golpe de calor.Tom had a heat stroke.This sentence is useful for showing how to use golpe de calor to state that someone had a heat stroke.Tatoeba #10921612 by Adelpa, translation #5085391 by Hybrid
- Es importante reconocer los síntomas de un golpe de calor y buscar ayuda médica de inmediato.It's important to recognize the symptoms of a heat stroke and seek medical help immediately.
- El personal de seguridad está capacitado para tratar casos de insolación en el parque temático.The security staff is trained to handle cases of heat stroke at the theme park.
- Cuidado ahí afuera, hace tanto calor que cualquiera puede sufrir un golpe de calor.Be careful out there, it's so hot that anyone can suffer from heat stroke.
- El médico dice que fue un golpe de calor.The doctor says it was a heat stroke.
- Ten cuidado para no sufrir un golpe de calor.Be careful not to suffer a heat stroke.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are hiking on a very hot day.
- ElenaMateo, te ves muy pálido y cansado.Mateo, you look very pale and tired.
- MateoMe siento mal, creo que tengo un golpe de calor.I feel sick, I think I have heat stroke.
- ElenaBusquemos una sombra inmediatamente.Let's look for some shade immediately.
- MateoGracias, Elena. Necesito descansar un poco.Thanks, Elena. I need to rest a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heat stroke” translations and entries golpe de calor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calor, calórico, de, golpe, golpe de calor, térmico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
